HUD LAUNCHES BRAC INITIATIVE "OPERATION FRESH START" IN THE SOUTHEAST

WASHINGTON - The results of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process have created opportunities
and challenges for the communities where bases have been closed. In response, today, February 21, 2006, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched an initiative called "Operation Fresh Start" to assist those communities in the Southeast.

HUD Southeast Regional Director Bob Young stated, "HUD wants to develop relationships with those communities
that need assistance and work with our partners to structure ways to revitalize and rebuild communities affected
by BRAC closings. This is just one of many ways HUD is outreaching to help communities affected by BRAC closings and devastation by disasters", said Young.

As a first step in the BRAC process, HUD has prepared a tool kit to make communities aware of some of HUD's resources available to them. This tool kit is available online or you can call (404) 331-5001 ext. 2680 for a copy.
The links at this website will enable BRAC communities to get more detailed information to assist them in the restructuring of their affected communities. Also available is the Department of Defense’s website for complete information on the BRAC program (www.defenselink.mil/brac/) .

Working through the local HUD offices in the Southeast, the HUD team is available to cities, local redevelopment authorities, and other interested parties (e.g., lenders, developers, nonprofits, etc.) to help them navigate through the agency’s programs and processes. The HUD staff offers a variety of expertise in developing partnerships in
both the public and private sectors. Visit the HUD Field Office Directors webpage where you can find their phone numbers.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as
well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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